Cecelia Mecca

“Why are you here?” Bryce asked. He pushed his large wooden chair back slightly, turning toward her. Her gaze fell on the tanned chest that peeked out from an opening at the front of his loose shirt. Did the man ever wear a surcoat? Or armor for that matter? He dressed more like a peasant than a noble. She blinked. What was his question? “Your brother was ordered, as you say, to take and hold Bristol Manor, but why are you here?” Oh, that. “Toren refused to relent on the issue of my betrothal. I thought perhaps he would be more agreeable in person.” “And so you traveled to England, to an unsafe holding in the Borderlands, to convince him otherwise?” “We’re in Scotland, not England. Aye, it seemed to be the only way to convince him.” “Did it work?” “Not exactly.” Bryce’s blue eyes narrowed. “Not exactly?” “Not yet.” “How long have you been at Bristol?” “Three years.” The new lord of Bristol choked on his ale. “Three years? The man is likely married already by now.” “That hardly matters, does it, my lord? I can assure you leaving Bristol with my life has become more of a priority than getting married.”
― Cecelia Mecca, The Lord's Captive